I wrote this a few years ago for my column on dLife….here it is slightly updated. Apologies still to Clement Moore, the original author—Merry Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with prayer,
In hopes that Santa would bring the cure with him this year.
The children were nestled from head to their feeties,
While thoughts in their head were no more diabetes.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, she prayed for the cure too,
A dad still wonders what else could he do.
Remembering this year; the D,C, health reform clatter,
So many were still wondering what was the matter.
Away to the news wires we ran in a flash,
Congress can’t get along, might it all crash.
As costs continue to rise on everyone’s supply,
So many wonder how they’ll get by.
D-bloggers continue to write of these capers,
It certainly can’t be left to all the newspapers.
Some insulins are now no longer produced in large numbers,
Who made the decision on these stupid blunders?
To those with diabetes these really are not funny,
You’re playing with lives; it’s not about money.
As parents search for the docs and schools that really care,
So much about this disease just doesn’t seem fair.
But as we turn and realize the continual fear,
I have some wishes for so many this year.
When you look outside at the fresh fallen snow,
Or out at the sea where cold you don’t know,
Think of those who inspire and soon you will see,
Those things have changed in the past and will continue to be.
Innovations like getting supplies to those in foreign lands,
There was Team Type 1, IDF, and a Foundation of Hands.
There were great events where no one would lose ya’,
There were rides, walks, another Jessapoolaza.
Of course we always had times that supplied daily strife,
But there were always seminars and CWD’s—great Friends for Life.
There was JDRF continuing in closing the loop,
And the ADA’s Stop Diabetes is still really a scoop.
There was TCOYD and programs were pooled,
And DRI’s drive for a cure is still very fueled.
Online giving went up a new step for sure,
By causes, by Facebook towards a real cure.
Information is available more than ever before,
Online, personal sites, bloggers still score.
So as the year ends and criticisms comes quick,
Remember there are good things and not all from St. Nick.
So listen carefully as you think of all that is run,
There is so much more work that needs to be done.
Don’t leave it to others; it’ll be just a few,
“Don’t do nothing” is what you really must do.
And if you think you’re done, tired, and feeling sort of sore,
Think of your loved one with diabetes, it’ll make you do more.
And if not for you, it will be for their sake,
We will stop it all when they get a break.
And then, in a twinkling, one day we’ll hear on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
And the only thing needed is Santa’s toy bag for sure,
When diabetes is gone because of a cure.
So we will all continue to work, where is up to you,
But you have to make the decision on something you’ll do.
And one day we’ll scream and exclaim, “diabetes is out of sight,”
The Happiest Christmas ever, and to all a good-night!
I am a diabetes dad